A North East animal feed business is planning to increase its international expansion by selling its products in Central America and South East Asia.

Herban UK Ltd supplies livestock owners with nutritional oils that are used to support the health of animals.

The company has been working with the Department for International Trade (DIT) to increase its overseas sales, with the organisation’s support helping the company establish networks in Nigeria and Ghana.

Herban UK now works with a dozen international distributors but plans to increase this further.

William Stewart, managing director of the South Shields firm, said: “Working with DIT has been very successful. Its support helped our distribution in West Africa, which is somewhere I was keen to expand, having spent a long period of my life in West Africa.

“I am particularly aware of the market conditions and the business opportunities it has to offer.

“We now have 12 international distributors – but our aim is to go further. We are already planning the next phase of our development into Central America and South East Asia.”

Herban UK’s main product is an additive called Herban Premix and Liquid. The firm creates the product from oregano oil, which is steam distilled to extract the necessary oils.

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Herban Premix and Liquid is a complementary feedstuff containing a sensory additive used as a flavouring compound for animal feeds.

Commenting on the product’s uses, Mr Stewart said: “While we cannot make medicinal claims in the UK and Europe outside this region, there’s been substantial research showing the antimicrobial and anti-oxidant effect in gut health in animal species.

“There is a great deal of global pressure to reduce antibiotics in animal production, and so natural extracts, like ours, will have a vital support role in future world food production.

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“Ultimately, our aim is to continue to provide a high quality product which serves the needs of the market, allowing good returns on investment.”

International trade director, Julie Underwood said: “Herban UK is a wonderful operation, both locally and globally, and it is great to be a part of its expansion. The team have a real desire to succeed, by broadening their international networks.

“Helping North East businesses with the ambition to succeed is a real delight, and we are looking forward to see what the future brings for Herban.”